Spirit-filled Christian Living

To be filled with the Spirit is to be under His total control. The Greek word, pleroo, (present tense, passive voice) indicates a continuous submission to the Spirit's control and that we are the recipients. Yet although we can't cause the Spirit to move, we must yield to Him. It's like putting up a sail to let the wind direct you.

The primary means of being Spirit-filled is to let the Word of Christ abide in you richly (Col 3:16). To be filled in, by, with the Spirit is simply to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ and let it saturate every part of your being. If you are lacking being filled with the Spirit, think of Christ as often as possible. The Spirit fills the heart He feels at home in, which is when we are filled with the Word. Just as the Word apart from the Spirit is lifeless, so also the Spirit apart from the Word is powerless.

Being filled with the Spirit results in speaking and instructing Christ-exalting words to each other. It results in the edification of others. We come to a community to praise God and also to build each other up.

It also results in singing songs to God that are spiritually-inspired, with Word-centred, Christ-oriented content that magnifies God than man. We must sing to our Saviour, not each other. When we are Spirit-filled, we will sing to our Saviour with all our heart.

In addition, it results in thanksgiving, in contrast to being filled with self, which leads to thanklessness. When are Spirit-filled, we will be characterized by thankfulness always for all things, because even in trials we can cry to God for help, and He uses them to conform us to Christ.

Finally, this results in submitting (expanded next sermon).